Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa has expressed regret over the cancellation of his scheduled speaking engagements at the Oxford Union and the Cambridge Union, following organised pressure.

In a statement issued on Monday, Rajapaksa said he had looked forward to participating in what he described as “open dialogue” at the two historic debating societies, which he said embodied traditions of “free inquiry, rigorous debate, and intellectual courage.”

“It is deeply unfortunate that circumstances arising from organised pressure prevented these engagements from taking place,” he said, adding that universities should remain spaces where disagreement is addressed through discussion rather than disruption.

Rajapaksa stated that he would have welcomed the opportunity to face critics directly, arguing that reconciliation and progress can only emerge through open conversation.

He thanked both Unions for extending the invitations and expressed hope that future forums would continue to promote dialogue and engagement.